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12/18/2019 07:30 AMResidents and visitors may have some new entertainment options next summer pending results on an application for an ice cream café and mini golf course off Route One at the Madison border. The Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) will open a public hearing on the proposal on Monday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.
The application was filed by 3 West Main, LLC, and lists Lurrae Lupone as the owner and applicant. The application on file in the land use office calls for the development to be placed on a plot of vacant land on the north side of Route One and bordering the Hammonasset River, but the application states that no construction is proposed within 50 feet of the tidal wetlands. In fact, the application states “The ice cream café and mini golf are not located at a waterfront site. That portion of the applicant’s land will be transferred to the Clinton Land Conservation Trust for a kayak launch and drop-off area under separate application.”
Per the application, the construction of a mini golf course and hut will take place first, followed by the construction of an ice cream café. The mini golf portion of the project is anticipated to employ three people and be open seasonally. It will be closed on Mondays.
The ice cream café will also be closed on Mondays and operate as a seasonal activity.
Lupone told the Harbor News that the land has been owned by her family for decades. Lupone said that she wanted to do something fun with the land, and thought of her father, who she said loved ice cream. She envisioned a café that will be open year-round and sell light bites in addition to ice cream. Lupone said the café will give visitors a view of the Hammonasset River.
The land is currently zoned as a business district B-4 zone. According to the town’s zoning regulations, golf courses and ice cream parlors are allowed under special exceptions in that zone.
At the public hearing residents can speak either in favor, against, or neutral about the project. The applicant may also present more information about the proposal. Should the PZC close the public hearing on Jan. 6, it’s possible that the commission will vote to approve or deny the application at a subsequent PZC meeting.